Marines Defend One of Their Own Against Gun Charge

U.S. Marines across the country are rallying behind another Marine who was arrested while visiting New York City when he attempted to check his legally registered handgun at the Empire State Building on Sept. 27, according to the New York Post.

Supporters have begun letter-writing campaigns, with some aimed at NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, a Marine who served in the Vietnam War.

“It is just overwhelming, the love and support I am receiving from my fellow Marines,” said 28-year-old Ryan Jerome of Indiana, who was honorably discharged in 2005.

The prospect of possibly facing more than three years in prison has been “emotionally devastating.”

Jerome is a jewelry who had traveled to New York with $15,000 worth of gold destined for a Long Island refinery. His lawyer explained that he had looked up New York state’s reciprocity rules for out-of-state permits on his phone but that a glitch confused him.